Athletes as Disciples – Basketball Prayer Service
Participation in athletics—especially at a classical Christian school like Sacred Heart—provides a powerful platform for discipleship among student-athletes. In athletics, as in every endeavor we pursue, students are called to act from their faith and their union with Christ, who is the source and summit of all our efforts.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, we held our Athletes as Disciples – Basketball Prayer Service. This initiative is rooted in the fundamental mandate given by our Lord in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20): “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” A disciple of Jesus follows Him in faith, forming a relationship that fosters deep communion with the Master.
While each of us comes alone to Christ, we do not remain alone. Through Christ, we are united into the corporate body of believers. If we are united with Christ, God becomes our Father, and all who are united to Him become our brothers and sisters.
The Christian life is often compared to a journey—but it is not a solo race. Rather, it is like a mountain-climbing expedition in which we are roped together. We lift one another up, catch one another when we fall, and reach the summit only together. A mature disciple of Jesus must therefore care for the well-being of others, recognizing that we need one another on this journey.
Through Athletes as Disciples, we have developed a method of engaging student-athletes in reflection and discussion on specific elements of life in Christ—applied to athletics and extended into everyday life. This approach is intentionally accessible and meaningful for teenagers, a critical stage when students begin forming their worldview, beliefs, and habits.
At Tuesday’s gathering, Kevin, our Director of Faith Formation, offered a powerful 5–10 minute reflection that invited athletes into deeper communion with God. The prayer service concluded with a final blessing from our chaplain, Fr. Martin.
May we continue to witness to Christ’s presence by living and proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.
Fr. Martin Masiisa
